All posts by creativedental

The American Dental Association has recently made great strides in educating parents about childhood cavities. Because the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 42% of children have cavities in their baby teeth, the need to educate parents on proper oral hygiene is critical to instilling proper oral hygiene habits. Unfortunately, children aren’t the only ones suffering from dental problems. The American Dental Hygienist Association estimate that up to 75% of adults suffer from gum disease and may not even realize it (yet). Because many dental problems can be traced back to improper care, it is important to review the proper steps for effectively brushing your teeth.

Start with the right tools

The basics of brushing start with using the right brush and the right toothpaste. When choosing a new toothbrush, consider the following:

Bristles: Although there many types of bristles available, most dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush as those are much gentler on the gums.

Head size: It may be tempting to get the larger head to cover more area at once, but a smaller head can reach into the smaller areas, particularly the teeth furthest back.

Powered or non-powered toothbrush: A powered brush is a smart choice especially for those with compromised dexterity.

Regardless of which toothbrush you select, it is important to replace your toothbrush often: every three months or when the bristles start to show wear, whichever comes first. Some toothbrushes even have colored indicators that fade away when the brush is worn out. Also, consider tossing your toothbrush after a cold to prevent re-contaminating yourself.

What kind of toothpaste should I use?

Shopping for toothpaste can be overwhelming, but know that there are certain formulas for certain needs including gingivitis, plaque and tartar control, and sensitivity. If you are unsure which paste is best for you, your dentist can suggest one for you. However, regardless of what your specific dental needs are, you should choose a toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Children, however, will need a training toothpaste, which usually does not have fluoride.

How to brush your teeth properly

Once you have the right brush with the correct toothpaste for your needs, you can start to brush your teeth. The first rule, and usually the most often broken rule, is the duration of brushing. Proper brushing should take at least two full minutes.

Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your brush.

Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle and brush the outer surface of each tooth by moving the brush in a gentle circular motion. Avoid using excessive pressure and scrubbing back and forth too roughly as the delicate gums can be easily irritated.

Repeat for the inside surface as well.

Next, brush the chewing surfaces (tops) of your teeth. It is okay to “scrub” this section as you are not causing friction on the gums during this part.

End by brushing your tongue. Bacteria can build up in the grooves of your tongue, which contributes to bad breath.

Follow these steps twice each day, once in the morning and once before bed.

While most people would never dream of skipping a day of brushing, flossing is a step that many people do skip. In fact, a recent study revealed that 18.5% of Americans never floss and nearly 30% floss sporadically. If you’ve been to the dentist lately, you have probably been asked if you have been flossing, and there is a good reason for that question: flossing in an integral part of oral health.

What is flossing?

Unlike brushing (which cleans the surfaces of teeth), floss is an interdental cleaner, which means that Floss can clean between teeth. Cleaning between teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach, is so important that the US Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement supporting the ADA’s recommendation of daily flossing.

Types of floss

A quick trip down the dental care aisle will illustrate just how many floss options are available.

Additionally, children also need to floss; just like with brushing, parental supervision will be required until around age 8 to ensure a thorough job is done.

Benefits of Flossing

A professor at the New York University School of Dentistry contends that most people are not diligent flossers because they do not immediately see results; however, the benefits of flossing are extended far beyond just food particle removal.

Food removal: As bits of food get stuck between teeth, they can cause discomfort and eventually an odor. This is particularly important for those wearing braces to be diligent yet careful with flossing.

Removes bacteria: Even after a good brushing, bacteria and debris can still hide between teeth. Bacteria can lead to tooth decay, so it is important to remove as much as possible.

Help prevent gum disease: How does flossing work to fight gum disease? Tartar and plaque are more than just unsightly; they creep below the gum line, which then can cause periodontitis. Periodontitis, a severe gum disease, is characterized by red swollen gum, tooth loss, and bone loss. By removing plaque, flossing helps prevent the cycle of plaque to periodontitis.

There are a variety of things you can do to make sure that your teeth are in the best health and are as bright as they can be. One increasingly popular method is using activated charcoal. In fact, it is being pitched as one of the sure, all-naturals ways to help you get a brighter smile by removing tough stains on your teeth without the use of harmful abrasives or chemical bleaches.

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a type of common charcoal, usually made out of wood, that has been heated in the presence of certain gases that will cause pores to form in the charcoal. These pores or internal spaces give the activated charcoal a sponge-like ability to trap the organic molecules of certain toxins. It has been widely used in the medical field as a treatment for poisonings, high cholesterol levels and more.

Activated charcoal can also absorb tannins or the molecules in foods and drinks that can cause staining. It can be included as an ingredient in toothpaste, or its powdered form can be mixed with water and then scrubbed onto the teeth. However, before your start using activated charcoal to get whiter teeth, it is important that you know exactly what to expect when you use it and why it may not be the best choice for your oral health routine.

Why Some People Use Activated Charcoal for Their Teeth

Its adhesive qualities allow it to remove bacteria, chemicals, plaque, and tartar from the surface of the teeth, which can make teeth cleaner and whiter.

It has properties that can create a healthy environment in the mouth by promoting a normal pH level.

It is an all-natural remedy and also is a relatively inexpensive alternative to other treatments for whitening teeth.

Arguments Against Using Activate Charcoal for Your Teeth

There is no guarantee of quality. Activated charcoal has not yet been approved for use by the American Dental Association as a teeth whitener. This means it has not undergone rigorous tests and reviews. Also, there is no guarantee that the manufacturers selling the products are using the correct kind of charcoal, and non-activated charcoal can be quite harmful.

It still has abrasive qualities. While it may not be as abrasive as some products, it can still damage your teeth. It can also cause significant damage to your gums and may contribute to receding gums. This can expose the roots of your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to the grittiness of the charcoal.

It may work only in certain cases. Activated charcoal can only be effective at removing surface stains. However, if your teeth are naturally yellow or darker in color because of age, they can only be whitened with a bleaching agent.

Before you start using a new product to whiten your teeth, first consult with your dentist. Using a well-tested product under the guidance of your dentist is one of the safest ways to get whiter teeth. You will be given a comprehensive dental examination and will be advised of which whitening methods may help you obtain a brighter smile.

All kids like the occasional treat, but too many high-sugar snacks can have a major impact on their health. Experts recommend that children consume less than six teaspoons of added sugars per day, which is the equivalent of about 25 grams or 100 calories. Consuming more than the recommended amount can significantly reduce their risk of developing a wide range of health problems, including tooth decay. While we all know that sugar is bad for our children’s health, just how bad is it?

How Tooth Decay Develops

The mouth is full of bacteria, many which are beneficial to your unique oral environment. However, the ‘bad’ bacteria can wreak havoc on teeth if you consume the wrong foods in excess. When you consume sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar, creating acids that destroy tooth enamel. Over time, the acids will create a hole in the tooth. If left untreated, the hole can reach the deeper layers of the tooth causing pain and eventually tooth loss.

The Fight Against Tooth Decay

While the teeth are highly susceptible to damage, your mouth does have some defenses it uses to fight back. When acids attack teeth, they leech minerals from the enamel in a process known as demineralization. In the early stages of demineralization, the damage is often reversible. Saliva, fluoride, and other components work together to strengthen the teeth in a process referred to as remineralization. However, if your child eats lots of sweets and starches each day the teeth may not recover from damage.

Common Cavity Symptoms

Don’t think just because your child isn’t complaining of a toothache that there are no cavities. In fact, a child can have an established cavity with no pain or discomfort whatsoever. It can take months or even years before a cavity causes noticeable pain. That is because the nerve fibers that send pain throughout the body are not located in the enamel. It isn’t until the acids eat through the enamel and into the dentin that the nerve fibers begin to send out pain signals. By the time this happens, tooth decay is present.

While many children have no symptoms of tooth decay, others may experience:

Toothache

Dull pain in the mouth

Hot and cold sensitivity

Pain when biting down

Visible holes or pits in the teeth

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a preventable condition in both children and adults. Nutrition is a highly important part of oral health. Parents should serve balanced meals high in whole grains and protein. Limit sugary foods and drinks. While cookies and candies are okay for an occasional snack, they not should be a daily treat. If your child still drinks from a bottle or sippy cup, avoid sugary beverages like juice. Remember that even milk in excess can cause tooth decay. Whenever possible, give your child water instead of sugary beverages.

Brushing is also highly important for the prevention of tooth decay in children. Regular brushing helps to wash away sugars and acids in the mouth and prevents a buildup of bacteria-riddled plaque on the teeth. Consult with your child’s dentist if you’re concerned about cavities or you suspect that your child may have tooth decay.

Fluoride is one of the many minerals found in water and many types of foods. It also has an essential role in the remineralization of your teeth’s enamel and can interrupt the harmful production of acid on your teeth. While it is important to be aware of how fluoride contributes to your oral health, you should also know of the ways it may be harmful.

Fluoride for Better Oral Health

Early Development of Teeth

Recent research indicates children aged six months to 16 years with developing teeth can benefit from the exposure to fluoride, which can strengthen their growing teeth. Adults should also make sure that the dental products they use contains the right amount of fluoride as the mineral is just as important in combatting tooth decay.

Use of Certain Orthodontic Treatments

Treatments such as braces, bridges or crowns can expose the vulnerable parts of your teeth, putting them at risk of decay. Areas surrounding the brackets of orthodontic appliances, or where the crown touches the underlying tooth structure, can be breeding grounds for bacteria and should be treated with dental products containing fluoride.

Chronic Dry Mouth

Constantly having a dry mouth can be the result of some medical conditions, treatments, and medicine. Because there is a lack of saliva, it can be more difficult for your mouth to neutralize harmful acids and wash away small bits of food. Using dental products with fluoride, including toothpaste and mouthwashes, can help restore the pH of the mouth and remove the food particles that bacteria feeds on.

Fluoride as an Oral Health Hazard

Toxic Doses

Fluoride is only beneficial to your oral health when it is being used as directed. Toxic doses of fluoride will depend on a person’s weight and can result in significant health issues. Because it can be easier for younger children to consume extremely high doses of fluoride due to fluorinated water, their tendency to accidentally swallow toothpaste and the consumption of processed foods containing fluoride, it is necessary that they are carefully supervised, particularly when using dental products that contain fluoride.

Fluorosis

This condition typically occurs in children aged six months to 16 years. It creates streaks and specks on the teeth that can range from a hardly visible, whitish color to a very noticeable brown. Fluorosis does not cause pain, and in mild cases, may not impair the health of the teeth. In these situations, the main concern will be cosmetic. To have the marks removed, it will be necessary to have them treated with professional-grade abrasives and whiteners available only at your dentist’s office. For individuals who have moderate to severe cases of fluorosis, the concentration of fluoride on the teeth can be so high that the porosity of the enamel increases to the degree that the teeth become physically damaged and begin to crumble.

If you have concerns about fluoride and your teeth, or if your see white streaks on your children’s teeth, you should consult your dentist. You dentist will address any concerns you have about your oral health.

With toothpaste ads hyper focused on fresh-smelling breath and dazzling white teeth, it’s easy to forget that the benefits of maintaining proper oral hygiene extend far beyond minty breath and pearly whites. In fact, because poor oral health can contribute to various other health issues, it becomes even more crucial to develop healthy oral habits. Need extra motivation to brush twice a day? Just read these six health issues that are affected by a good oral hygiene routine (or lack thereof).

Reduce complications from diabetes

Individuals with diabetes often find it difficult for their bodies to fight infections. As poor oral health often leads to inflammation and infections, it becomes that much more difficult for a person with diabetes to fight an oral infection. Prevent gum infections by creating a proper oral routine that includes brushing after each meal and flossing daily.

Improved lung health

Just because an infection begins in your mouth doesn’t mean that the bacteria stay in your mouth. Bacteria from oral infections can easily travel to the lungs, which then increases lung problems such as inflammation. If you suspect you have an infection, call your dentist immediately before the infection grows and spreads.

Pregnancy and birth weight

While morning sickness may create its challenges by exposing the teeth to high acid levels, excellent oral health is vital for maintaining optimal health for both a pregnant mother and the baby. Experts have shown that mothers with gingivitis are at risk to give birth to babies with low birth weight. Remember to keep routine dental appointments during pregnancy and ask your dentist any questions you have regarding pregnancy and oral health.

Reduce inflammation and joint pain

While it may seem odd that inflammation and pain in joints are connected to oral health, studies show that poor oral health contributes to inflammation elsewhere in the body, and that includes joints. Particularly, the study focuses on Rheumatoid Arthritis, a disease that causes painful joint swelling. How are these two conditions linked? Scientists believe that the method of tissue destruction in gum disease is the same method of destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Improve mental health and memory

Perhaps the most obvious – yet least discussed –effect of poor oral health is on mental health. Poor hygiene, especially in the cases of decayed teeth, leads to extremely noxious breath, which can create embarrassing social situations and low self-esteem. On the other hand, a mouth free from infections, pain, or decay increases self-esteem and confidence. In addition to increased confidence, good oral health also affects memory; gingivitis has been linked to poorer scores on memory tests.

Keeping your mouth clean is more than just improving your smile; the mouth-body relationship is one that will improve your overall health.

Dental emergencies can usually be treated if you contact your dentist in Westfield, NJ right away. But how do you know if you have a dental emergency, or if you should wait until your next dental visit? Here are four examples of dental emergencies that you should never delay notifying the professionals at Creative Dental Care.

1. You Cracked or Broke a Tooth

Even those with healthy teeth and a long history of consistent dentist visits can experience a moment when a tooth gets broken or cracked. Lots of things can cause a crack or a broken tooth. Some of the most common include accidentally biting down on something hard, like a small pebble in a batch of cooked beans, a popcorn seed, overcooked fried chicken, chewing ice, roughhousing, bicycle or motor vehicle accidents, and of course sports injuries. This dental emergency can quickly lead to severe dental pain, nerve damage in the tooth, and possible infection. If you experience a cracked or broken tooth, call your dentist as soon as possible to get the tooth fixed.

2. A Tooth Fell Out or Was Knocked Out

It’s possible to suddenly lose a tooth that you didn’t even think was loose. Sports and other physical activities can lead to a tooth accidentally getting knocked out, too. If one or more of your teeth comes out, call your dentist right away and explain the urgency to the receptionist so you can get in to see the dentist on an emergency basis. While you’re waiting, handle the tooth as little as possible, because the dentist may be able to put it back in. When you make your appointment, ask for their recommendation about how to best transport the tooth on the way to the dentist office.

3. You’re Experiencing a Severe Toothache

It seems like the worst toothaches come on out of the blue, either during a weekend or on vacation. But your dentist doesn’t want you to have to wait until the office officially opens if you have a severe toothache that’s preventing you from doing anything at all. This is a dental emergency that should be taken care of as soon as possible. At the very least, if your dentist can’t get to you, they will likely be able to prescribe a pain killer so you can get relief from the excruciating pain of a toothache until they can treat you in the office.

4. You’ve Developed Oral Bleeding That Won’t Stop

It’s common to experience minimal bleeding when you brush too hard. But if you suddenly experience a gush of blood that won’t seem to stop, it’s urgent to contact your dentist right away. This is a dental emergency that requires immediate care and treatment so the dentist can find out the underlying cause.

When a dental emergency arises, contact Creative Dental Care right away. Don’t hesitate because you think you’re bothering the dental office, or try to live with a dental emergency by yourself. The sooner you get help for a dental emergency, the better off you’ll be.

Tooth sensitivity is a condition that occurs when your gums recede or when the protective enamel of your teeth is worn down, and the dentin is exposed. Cold air as well as cold, hot or very acidic substances that come into contact with the dentin of the teeth can result in severe tooth pain or sensitivity. However, there are ways you can reduce the sensitivity and alleviate the pain.

1. Change Your Toothbrush

Toothbrushes that are hard-bristled and toothpaste that is too abrasive can be harsh for sensitive teeth and can increase the symptoms of the condition. Begin using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a gentler toothpaste and brush your teeth by moving the brush gently in a back and forth motion.

2. Be Careful of What You Consume

There are certain foods and drinks you should avoid if you have sensitive teeth. They include any foods that are highly acidic, such as coffee, pickles, fruits and carbonated drinks. If you are unable to avoid them, try to restrict how much contact the substances have with your teeth.

3. Get Treatment for Gum Recession

When your gums recede, the roots are exposed, and the protective cementum may be worn away. Your dentist can recommend treatments, such as tissue grafts, to restore your gumline.

4. Wear a Mouth Guard

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can result in sensitive teeth by wearing away the tooth enamel. You can reduce the effects of bruxism by wearing a mouth guard, which can be obtained from your local drug store.

5. Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties and can be used to reduce the harmful bacteria that are in your mouth, and as a result, reduce your teeth sensitivity. Simply place about one tablespoon of the oil in your mouth and move it around for 20 minutes.

7. Use Toothpaste Made for Sensitive Teeth

There are several brands of toothpaste made specifically for sufferers of tooth sensitivity. The active ingredient, potassium nitrate, aids in blocking the very small tubules in the dentin.

8. Inquire about Painted Teeth

Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for having fluoride varnish, plastic resins or other desensitizing agents painted on your sensitive teeth. Be mindful that you will have to get the barrier reapplied as the material tends to wear off.

9. Cloves and Clove Oil

Cloves are anti-inflammatory and have anesthetic properties that make them ideal for alleviating tooth sensitivity. A paste containing the herb can be applied to the affected teeth, or you can rinse your mouth with a solution of clove oil and water twice a day.

10. Garlic

Garlic contains a high concentration of allicin, a natural anesthetic and it can be applied in the same manner as cloves.

There is no need to endure the pain of tooth sensitivity. Ask your dentist which treatment may work best for you.

Tooth sensitivity can make you worry that a root canal is in your future, but even deep and throbbing sensations can be triggered by far less severe dental problems. Visiting the dentist is not always necessary for short-term tooth sensitivity because you may be able to figure out the cause on your own. Of course, there are just as many causes that do require a dentist’s help to fix. Your painful responses to cold drinks and hot foods could be caused by any of these five triggers.

Damaged Enamel

Any habits that damage the clear protective layer of enamel on the outside of your teeth will lead to sensitivity. This can include chewing on pen tops or other hard objects, eating too many acidic foods and drinks, soda consumption, chewing of sunflower seeds and tobacco, and more. Some people are also born with weak or missing enamel and experience tooth pain from an early age. If your enamel damage can’t be stopped or is too serious, the dentist can apply a sealant to offer a new coating to protect the nerves.

Chips and Cracks

As with missing enamels, even microscopic cracks in damaged teeth can stress the internal nerves of a tooth and cause pain. This kind of pain is often experienced as sensitivity, but may also come and go or become constant if infection sets in. Chips also have a chance to create the same kind of pain when the damage goes deep enough. Having a dental inspection after a car accident, fall or other jarring impacts to your mouth can catch these problems early.

Cavities

Since chips and cracks can cause sensitive reactions, it’s not surprising that cavities can do the same. Allowing a cavity to go too long without filling increases the chances of it reaching the root and causing a serious infection that is best treated with a root canal. This is why it’s so important to stick to the usual six month routine for cleaning at the dentist’s office. Once a cavity is reacting to temperatures and sugar, it’s a sign that it’s deep enough to reach the nerve tissue. It’s better to have your teeth checked before anything is visible or causing pain instead of waiting that long.

Tooth Grinding

With a little inspection, your dentist can quickly determine whether you’re clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth or not. Many people do it unconsciously in response to stress, and nighttime tooth grinding has become a common problem in recent decades. Grinding the surface of the teeth down wears the enamel away and creates sensitivities. Leaving the problem along results in further damage like broken roots, cracked molars, and more.

Whitening Pastes

Finally, your whitening toothpaste or those home whitening gels could be the source of your new dental pain. Sensitivities are a known side effect of these treatments, and many home products cause lifelong sensitivity that must be treated with regular applications of numbing toothpaste and creams. Stick to professional whitening only for a much lower risk of these kinds of unwanted side effects.

PART 1 – WHY YOU HAVE MISALIGNED TEETH

Your teeth are meant to fit within your mouth with no spacing or crowding issues so that they can function as they should. They should be in a straight position with no twisting or rotation. The teeth in your upper jaw should also form a slight overlap with the teeth in your lower jaw to allow your molars to meet correctly.

The Disadvantages of Misaligned Teeth

Any misalignment, or malocclusion, in your teeth, can result in a wide range of oral health complications. It can interfere with how well you can chew your food and can make cleaning your teeth more difficult, exposing you to the increase chances of having cavities, gingivitis or tooth decay. It can also be a source of embarrassment, making your feel self-conscious about your smile and overall appearance.

PART 2 – WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CORRECT YOUR MISALIGNED TEETH

The treatment of misaligned teeth during childhood is most effective as it can prevent alignment issues that can be very difficult and expensive to resolve in the future. Children who are at least seven years old may be treated with the correct dental appliance to straighten their teeth.

The type of treatment you receive will depend heavily on the type of misaligned teeth you have. Cases in which the misalignment of the teeth is very slight may not require treatment. Mild cases of misaligned teeth may require the use of dentures, crowns, veneers or bridges to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw. However, for most cases, especially those in which the misalignment is severe, you may be treated with braces.

Each of the various types of braces is used to correct a particular misalignment issue. The type of braces your orthodontist may recommend will depend on your unique teeth and personal needs:

Invisible Aligners: These types of braces are best used for mild cases of misaligned teeth. With their clear color, they are almost unnoticeable. They are removable and can be more costly than other types of braces.

Fixed Braces: These can be made from metal or ceramic. A bracket is attached to the front of each affected front tooth in the upper and lower jaws and is linked together using orthodontic wires. Metal braces are less expensive and more effective than ceramic braces. However, ceramic braces tend to look more natural.

Lingual Braces: These are fixed metal braces that are used to treatment misalignment of the back teeth. They may be more suitable for adults and can be a challenge to keep clean.

Cases of misaligned teeth are treatable for both children and adults. Speak with your dentist to determine which treatment options are most suitable for you.